Royal Chundu River Lodge, Victoria Falls

Relais & Chateaux’s Royal Chundu River Lodge is a sanctum of quiet solitude and untouched beauty and the first Relais & Chateaux property in Zambia. Their luxurious lodge is situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, just upstream from the magnificent Victoria Falls on a ten mile stretch of private waterway which is protected by two sets of rapids.

Royal Chundu River Lodge was created in complete harmony with its natural surroundings and embraces the tradition and geography of the area while incorporating stylish and sophisticated accommodation, world class service and sumptuous pan-African cuisine.

River Lodge is the main hub at Royal Chundu and the larger of two Royal Chundu lodges. There are ten magnificent and spacious river-front suites at River Lodge. The entire lodge looks out onto the mighty Zambezi creating a spectacular and dramatic setting with the Matetsi Private Game Reserve on the opposite side of the river. Each suite has a double shower, air-conditioning, a fan, mosquito nets, a king-size bed and a generous deck with excellent views of the surroundings. There is a beautiful boma for outdoor evening meals, a library, wine cellar, business center, satellite TV, dining room, and complimentary WIFI.

There are numerous activities available on-site at Royal Chundu, at an additional cost, and plenty more in the surrounding areas, including sunset river cruises, tribal village walk, birding safaris, and canoeing and fishing trips.

The water provides a vital life source to the abundant wildlife in the area and is in stark contrast to the parched savannah interior. The river supports large populations of animals. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles can be found all along the calm stretches of the river. Monitor lizards are also common and the variety of bird life is spectacular, with species such as heron, pelican, egret and the African fish eagle in abundance. The banks of the Zambezi also support many large animals including buffalo, zebra, giraffe and elephant.

What makes Royal Chundu even more special is its setting between Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls, two spectacular landmarks that you can easily access from the lodge on a day tour. The Zambezi is renowned as one of the top fishing destinations in Africa, with several hundred species of fish present. Common species include cichlids, catfish, tigerfish and yellowfish. Nature walks are one of the best ways to get to know our spectacular natural surroundings. For guests looking to go in search of the African cats and big game, a day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park is a must.